Creating Lustrous Pearl Wedding Jewelry: A Guide

Pearls are a timeless choice for wedding jewellery, with their delicate lustre and pretty sheen complementing a range of dress details, skin tones, and bridal themes. From simple pearl pendants to elaborate statement pieces, pearl jewellery is a versatile option that can be tailored to suit any wedding style. Whether you're the bride or a member of the bridal party, pearl jewellery is a classic choice that will add a touch of elegance to your look.

Choosing the right pearl type and colour

Pearls are a classic choice for wedding jewellery, and with the right type and colour, you can create a timeless and elegant look for your special day. Here are some tips to help you choose the right pearl type and colour for your wedding jewellery:

Natural vs. Cultured Pearls

When it comes to pearl type, you'll typically find two options: natural and cultured pearls. Natural pearls are formed without any human intervention and are extremely rare and valuable. Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are created with human assistance and are more widely available and affordable. While both types can be beautiful, natural pearls tend to be more expensive and may be harder to source.

Pearl Colour

The colour of the pearls you choose will depend on your personal preference and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Here are some popular pearl colours to consider:

• White: White pearls are a classic choice for weddings, as they symbolise purity and elegance. They are versatile and can complement various wedding dress styles and colour schemes.
• Cream: Cream-coloured pearls offer a softer, warmer tone that can be flattering for various skin tones. They are a beautiful option for brides who want a subtle departure from traditional white pearls.
• Ivory: Ivory pearls have a rich, creamy colour that can add a touch of warmth to your jewellery. They are often paired with gold or silver accents for a luxurious look.
• Coloured Pearls: If you want to add a pop of colour to your wedding jewellery, consider pearls in shades like light pink, peach, or even dark grey. Coloured pearls can be a fun way to incorporate your wedding colours into your accessories.

Pearl Overtone

In addition to the base colour, pearls also have an overtone, which is the secondary colour that affects the overall appearance. Overtone colours can include rose, silver, cream, green, or blue. When choosing your pearls, consider how the overtone complements the base colour and your overall wedding colour scheme.

Pearl Luster and Sheen

The luster and sheen of pearls refer to how well they reflect light and their overall shine. High-quality pearls will have a strong luster and a beautiful, smooth surface. When choosing your pearls, look for those with a bright, clear luster and a soft, subtle sheen. Avoid pearls with dull or uneven surfaces, as they may appear less lustrous.

Matching Pearl Sets

For a cohesive look, consider choosing a pearl jewellery set that includes a necklace, earrings, and/or a bracelet. Matching pearl sets ensure that the colour, size, and quality of the pearls complement each other perfectly. You can also mix and match different pearl types and colours for a unique, personalised look.

Remember, the right pearl type and colour will depend on your personal style, skin tone, and wedding theme. Take the time to try on different options and see how they complement your wedding dress and overall bridal ensemble.

Incorporating other elements like crystals or cubic zirconia

Crystals and cubic zirconia can be combined with pearls to create stunning bridal jewellery. This combination of elegant pearls and sparkling cubic zirconia is a popular choice for wedding jewellery, adding a touch of glamour to the bridal look.

When incorporating crystals and cubic zirconia into pearl wedding jewellery, there are a few design options to consider. One option is to create a pearl strand and crystal necklace. This design features a single strand of pearls with crystals interspersed throughout, adding a subtle sparkle to the classic pearl necklace. Another option is to create a pearl and crystal pendant, where a single pearl or a cluster of pearls is combined with a crystal or cubic zirconia pendant. This design can be more eye-catching, with the crystal or cubic zirconia adding a touch of sparkle and elegance to the pearl pendant.

For a more unique look, consider using crystals or cubic zirconia in an unexpected way. For example, a crystal or cubic zirconia backdrop necklace features a strand of pearls with a crystal or cubic zirconia element that sits at the back of the neck, adding a surprise element of sparkle when the bride turns around. This style of necklace is perfect for a backless or low-back wedding dress, showcasing the crystal or cubic zirconia backdrop element.

In addition to necklaces, crystals and cubic zirconia can also be incorporated into pearl earrings and bracelets. For example, a pair of pearl stud earrings with a crystal or cubic zirconia centre adds a touch of sparkle to the classic pearl earring. Alternatively, a crystal or cubic zirconia drop earring with a single pearl at the bottom combines the elegance of pearls with the sparkle of crystals or cubic zirconia.

When combining pearls with crystals and cubic zirconia, it is important to consider the colour and style of the pearls and the type of metal used for the crystals or cubic zirconia. Pearls come in a variety of colours, from soft white to ivory to cream, and the metal used for the crystals or cubic zirconia can be chosen to complement the colour of the pearls. For example, gold-plated or rose gold-plated crystals or cubic zirconia can add a warm tone to the jewellery, while silver-plated crystals or cubic zirconia can create a cool and elegant look.

Selecting the right metal colour

• Consider your skin tone: Different metal colours complement different skin tones. For example, warm-toned skin may be flattered by gold, while cool-toned skin may be enhanced by silver.
• Think about your dress: The metal colour you choose should complement your wedding dress. If your dress has gold or silver embroidery or beading, consider choosing the same metal colour to create a cohesive look.
• Create a cohesive look: If you want a cohesive look, match your metal colour to your other jewellery, such as your engagement ring or any other accessories you plan to wear. This will create a put-together and elegant appearance.
• Mix and match: On the other hand, you can also mix and match metal colours for a bold and contemporary look. Combining gold and silver, or different coloured metals, can add dimension and interest to your ensemble.
• Vibe and versatility: Consider the overall vibe you want to create. Gold is a popular and versatile option, offering a choice between yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold. Silver is another versatile option that pairs well with gemstones and can complement almost any outfit.
• Timelessness: If you're looking for a timeless and traditional look, pearl earrings are a beautiful choice. They can be found in various styles, including studs, drop earrings, and dangling earrings.
• Statement and elegance: If you want your jewellery to make a statement, consider adding some sparkle with cubic zirconia or crystals. These can be combined with pearls for a striking and elegant look.

Considering the style of the dress

When choosing your wedding jewellery, it's important to consider the style of your dress. The right jewels will complement your dress and complete your look.

If your wedding dress has long lace sleeves, you might want to avoid a bracelet, as you don't want it to catch on the delicate fabric. If you're wearing a one-shoulder dress, you might want to skip the necklace, as the asymmetric lines are the focal point. For a round neckline, a choker pearl necklace will stand out, as the shorter length accentuates your collarbone. Match it with a pair of stud earrings for an air of grace and style.

The colour of your dress is also important. Freshwater pearls are a great choice for pastel-coloured wedding gowns. White, peach, lavender, and pink pearl necklaces and earrings are excellent pieces that will go with any shade. If your dress is a stark white, opt for jewellery with cooler tones and silver plating. If your dress is a warm ivory or cream colour, go for pieces with warmer tones and gold plating.

The neckline of your dress will also play a role in deciding your jewellery. A deep V-cut neckline goes well with a pearl pendant necklace encrusted with diamonds, while a sweetheart neckline pairs perfectly with a princess-length pearl strand. A strapless dress can be accessorised with either a strand of pearls or a pendant necklace. For a high neck or narrow V-neck, try a delicate pendant or a pair of statement earrings.

Remember, there's no need to go too "matchy-matchy" with your dress and jewellery. Instead, look for common elements such as lace, fabric, and ruffles, and coordinate your jewellery with those details. Ultimately, choose pieces that suit your style and show off your personality. You want to feel comfortable and beautiful on your wedding day.

Matching the jewellery to the hairstyle

Matching your jewellery to your hairstyle is an important part of crafting your bridal look. Here are some tips to help you achieve a harmonious and unified look:

Hairstyle and Jewellery Choices

When selecting a hairstyle, consider the jewellery you plan to wear. If you're opting for a half-up, half-down hairstyle, choose earrings with some length that exude an ethereal touch. For an updo hairstyle, select statement jewellery that enhances your neck and ears, such as bold earrings or a necklace. If you prefer to wear your hair down, consider tucking it behind your ears to showcase your earrings. Modern yet chic earring designs can work well with this hairstyle.

Metal Colours and Skin Tone

Consider your skin tone when choosing metal colours for your jewellery. Determine whether your skin tone is warm or cool by looking at the veins on your wrist. Green veins indicate a warm skin tone, while blue veins suggest a cool tone. Warm skin tones tend to have blonde, orange, or red undertones in their hair, while cool skin tones usually have ash, silver, blue, or violet undertones. Warm tones generally pair well with gold jewellery, while cool tones are flattered by silver or platinum.

Hair Colour and Gemstones

Match your hair colour to the gemstones in your jewellery. Brunettes look stunning with gemstones containing earthy tones like orange, brown, and forest green. Black hair provides a beautiful contrast with brighter gemstone colours. Red hair is complemented by warm-toned stones and colours with grey undertones, such as black and purple. Blonde hair shines with marine-coloured stones, including blue and emerald.

Hairstyle and Overall Style

Ensure your hairstyle complements the style of your jewellery. A messy or voluminous hairstyle pairs well with modern and decorative pieces, such as pendants or bohemian-inspired jewellery. On the other hand, a classic or vintage hairstyle, like a Grace Kelly look, can be elegantly paired with a vintage ring or hair accessory.

Remember, while these guidelines can help create a harmonious bridal look, the most important factor is that you feel comfortable and beautiful. Choose jewellery that reflects your unique style and personality.

Frequently asked questions